A Poliomyelitis-like Syndrome from West Nile Virus Infection

Abstract
Muscle weakness is a common finding and an important predictor of death in patients with West Nile virus encephalitis.1,2 Yet this important sign does not have a defined pathological basis. In monkeys, horses, and birds, West Nile virus causes poliomyelitis.3-5 Our clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in three consecutive patients with confirmed West Nile virus infection suggest that the virus also attacks the spinal cord in humans.